Hamas calls for new offensive against Israel

Palestinian militants from Hamas today called for a fresh wave of attacks against Israel after troops killed nine Palestinians in weekend fighting, straining a five-month old ceasefire.

President Mahmoud Abbas’ more moderate Fatah movement responded to the bloodshed by urging him to consider breaking off contacts with the Israeli government, despite his pledge to the US to hold regular meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Hamas and Fatah are serving in a joint Palestinian government.